Conan inspires Gizmo

The 1982 cult movie Conan the Barbarian is not known as an intellectual triumph, and it is unlikely that many teachers have used it to illustrate scientific principles. One scene in this movie did provide the inspiration for our latest simple machines Gizmo, however.

Loosely based on the "Wheel of Pain" from the movie, the Wheel and Axle Gizmo features a large wheel that can be turned by barbarians. By adjusting the radius of the wheel or axle, students will see how mechanical advantage can be maximized.

Check it out!